Water segregation system

ABSTRACT

The Water Segregation System is a modular unit consisting of an Inlet Chamber, one or more additional Storage Chamber(s) and an Outlet Chamber.  
     The Inlet Chamber has an inlet connected to the external water supply system, an air-vent and a storage chamber. The additional Storage Chambers are compartmentalized containers and the number required for each system depends on the rate of water consumption and area available of the user. The Outlet Chamber has an outlet connected to the internal supply point designated by the user (E.g. the Kitchen). The Outlet Chamber also has a monitoring &amp; control system consisting of a Reed Proximity Sensor, a Low Pressure Sensor and a Sequential Timing Controller. Diaphragms of elastic membranes, sealed and held by the rim of the chambers and retainer clips/nuts &amp; bolts, separate the chambers. All the chambers, with an air-vent, are interconnected by a system of tubes connected by low voltage electromechanical transfer valves. The Sequential Timing Controller regulates the operation of these valves. There is manual by-pass in the event of power or system failure.  
     At start-up after installation, all air-vents and valves except outlet value are opened to allow free intake of water into the unit. When each chamber is full, the air-vent of that chamber should be closed. When all chambers are fill and air-vents, transfer valves are closed, open the outlet valve ( inlet valve remains open ) and the system is ready for service. This creates constant normal water pressure inside the unit and controls the flow of water from upper to lower compartments. e.g. from input to output.  
     As water is drawn from the Outlet Chamber it creates a vacuum. All the Diaphragms are pushed downwards by the water filling from the inlet. When the Diaphragm in the Outlet Chamber reaches the predetermined point, the Reed Proximity Sensor in the Outlet Chamber activates and sends a signal to the Sequential Timing Controller. This sets in motion a pre-programmed sequence of events that opens and closes each valve in series ( one at a time ) from the direction of output to input, allowing the flow of water from one chamber to the one immediately below and all diaphragms return to flat position. The Low Pressure Sensor acts as backup to the Reed Proximity Sensor, or if the diaphragms completely blocking the mesh separation plate crating low water pressure in the system. This process is repeated automatically and continuously without any interruption to the supply. The system ensures that water stored in the different chambers is at all times segregated to prevent cross-contamination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to apparatus used for storing and dispensing water in normal and emergency situations. The present invention is modular and is easily installed and maintained. Water stored at different times is at all times segregated to provide a buffer supply in the event of chemical and/or biological contamination. It also serves as storage reservoir in case of supply interruption.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Various storage and dispensing apparatus are available. The present invention provides a simple apparatus which is easy to install and maintain. The most important aspect is that the present invention provides continuous and automatic segregation of stored water to prevent cross-contamination. The user may install the apparatus to provide the buffered supply to the entire premises or only to selected areas (e.g. the kitchen).

[0005] There was no requirement of such system prior to Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attack at New York City. As possibility of terrorist activities increase the concern of water contamination/poison. This system will allow vital time for authority to notify citizen of a contaminated water supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The main object of the Water Segregation System is to stored water in the different chambers, filled at different time interval, at all times segregated to prevent cross-contamination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] The invention is best understood by reference to the figures,

[0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the Water Segregation System. It shows the complete assembly layout as well as all components that composed of the system.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a Description & Abbreviation of the components in order to ilustrate the figures to follows.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the System's Start-up & Ready State.

[0011] FIGS. 4-6 are schematic diagram of the System's Sequence of Operation.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the status of the water stored in each chambers after the System in operation for a period of time. 

I claim:
 1. The Water Segregation System is a modular water holding and dispensing apparatus comprising-(FIG. 1) A large tube shape container (preferable transparent) with one end closed (1) having an inlet connector (8) capable of being connected securely to the external water supply system, an air-vent (6), a storage area separated from the inlet area by a diaphragm (4), a connecting tube between the inlet and storage areas with a low voltage electromechanical valve (7) and a connecting tube to the next container (2) in series comprising the apparatus. (“Inlet Chamber (1)”) One or more large tube shape container(s) (preferable transparent) (2) each with an air-vent (6), a diaphragm (4), connecting tubes to the next container in series comprising the apparatus and a low voltage electromechanical valve (7). (“Storage Chamber (2)”) A large tube shape container (preferable transparent) with one end closed (3) having an outlet connector (9) capable of being connected securely to an internal supply point (e.g. the drinking & cooking water system), a drain valve (10), a Reed Proximity Sensor (11) and a Low Pressure Sensor (12), both connected to a Sequential Timing Controller which control the On-Off of transfer valves at each chambers. (“Outlet Chamber (3)”) A number of Diaphragms (4) made of highly elastic membrane with seal rings. The diaphragms preferable dark in color. A number of Air-Vents (6), open by pressing the vent and closed by water pressure, for the purpose of allowing air to escape during initial start-up water filling. A number of Low Voltage Electro-Mechainical Valves (7) and connecting tubes. Valves prefer to have a manual by-pass. A Reed Proximity Sensor (11) contafining a magnets molded in the diaphragm (5) closest to the outlet chamber (3) and a molded reed switch connected by a hinge mechanism. A Low Pressure Sensor (12) containing pressure sensing device to sense outlet water pressure drop due to Proximity Sensor failure causing Diaphragms completely blocked the mesh separation plates. All material of above parts must be suitable for water/food storage and be able to withstand water pressure and impact. A sequential timing controller to send low voltage electricity with a predetermined valve opening time interval to designated electromechanical valves in a controlled manner.
 2. The Water Segregation System as in claim 1 whereas from Inlet Chamber (1) to a number of Storage Chambers (2) and ended with the Outlet Chamber (3) securely held in place by the rim of the chambers and retainer clips/nuts & bolts. Diaphragms(4&5), if required, are lock in place at the seal in the v-grove of the rims. Water flowing from one chamber to another via/controlled by the Transfer Valves (7) as per FIG.
 1. 3. The Water Segregation System as in claim 1 will maintain normal water pressure in the water line and at the same time, segregating water filled at different time interval in the past.
 4. The Water Segregation System as in claim 1 whereas water drawn from the Outlet Chamber (3) it creates a vacuum. All the Diaphragms (4&5) are pushed downwards by the water filling from the inlet. When the Diaphragm (5) in the Output Chamber (3) reaches the predetermined point, the Reed Proximity Sensor activates and sends a signal to the Sequential Timing Controller. This sets in motion a pre-programmed sequence of events that opens and closes each valve in series from direction of outlet to inlet, allowing the flow of water from one chamber to the one immediately down the line ( outlet direction ) All the diaphragms will return to flat position. This process is repeated automatically and continuously without any interruption to the supply. The system ensures that water stored in the different chambers is at all times segregated to prevent cross-contamination. 